Best Kept French Secret

6 August 2025 at 12:48:37
Our second visit to Sandaya Camping Sandaya Plein Air des Chênes was an exceptional experience, and we anticipate returning in the future.
The Sandaya brand encompasses resorts across Europe. While we have not yet had the opportunity to visit other Sandaya locations, our experience was confined to... the small province of Clapiers in Montpellier, southern France.
The resort’s setting is nestled within a rural forested environment, surrounded by an abundance of trees and greenery. Within this picturesque setting, Sandaya has crafted a remarkable resort featuring exceptional pools, slides, and tubes, all set against a stunning landscaped backdrop.
Accommodation at Sandaya is offered in three distinct categories. We were fortunate to reside in a two-bedroom cabin equipped with a separate shower, toilet, kitchen, dining area, and veranda. The kitchen is well-stocked with essential appliances, including a sink, gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, and a comprehensive set of plates, cups, pots, pans, and more. Additionally, the cabin is air-conditioned.
Alternative accommodation options include caravans or tents. For those who prefer self-catering, a shopping precinct is conveniently located just a five-minute drive from the resort. This precinct boasts an impressive supermarket called “Intermarché,” which offers an extensive range of fresh produce and an array of essential items.
Within the resort grounds, there is a snack area bar and restaurant. While the menu may be somewhat limited, the quality of the food is reasonably high and reasonably priced.
The staff at Sandaya is renowned for their kindness, courtesy, and hard work. Every evening, a mini disco is organised to entertain the children. The entertainers are far beyond the average, providing a captivating performance with dancing, singing, choreography, and sheer enthusiasm. These highly trained individuals deserve credit for their athleticism, production ingenuity, and ability to create an entertaining experience despite limited budgets. The Movie Show was captivating we applaud everyone involved in this performance.
The resort maintains a clean and well-kept environment. Families and visitors alike were courteous and behaved appropriately. Additionally, Sandaya offers a variety of activities, including crazy golf and tennis.
Our journey to Sandaya began with a ferry ride to Calais, followed by a drive to Clermont-Ferrand, a convenient midpoint approximately seven hours drive from Calais. We made two stops for breaks during our travels.
The following day, we embarked on a smooth drive to Montpellier , our resort, approximately 3.5 hours away. By the way, the roads in France are the most exceptional I have ever driven on, and you will need to factor in road tolls of approximately 100 euros each way. It is well worth the expense.
As a side note, we bypassed the centre of Paris using the A86 duplex tunnel. This is a double-decker tunnel, an engineering marvel. If you are claustrophobic, do not use it as the tunnel is low and 10 kilometres long. It appears to go on forever.
However, it is significantly quicker than attempting to navigate through Paris.
Sandaya Resort is an exceptional establishment at a reasonable price. The majority of guests here are locals, primarily Dutch or German.
The French have very strict rules regarding poolside etiquette. Refraining from drinking, eating, smoking, or inflatables is mandatory. Additionally, men are required to wear swimwear made of Elstane, which is French law. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid attempting to circumvent these regulations, as swimming in the pools will not be permitted. There is a vending machine available for those who may forget.
Despite my age and physical condition, I have a healthy gut, as do many other guests here. Therefore, it is not necessary to be concerned about how you appear. You are not alone in this.
My 11-year-old daughter thoroughly enjoys this place, and so do we as parents.
I highly recommend Sandaya Resort. However, please note that this is not Butlins. While Butlins is a reputable establishment, this resort caters to the French market and culture in the same way that Butlins caters to British culture and market.
This is not a criticism but merely an observation.
Well done, Sandaya, and thank you for our continued and enjoyable stay.
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